The Importance of ESignatures for Your Organization

I have issues with printers. I buy them and then ink runs out, and ink is so expensive that I never end up replacing it. So then I spent more money on a laser printer because overall they're more economical, and then that printer of mine doesn't work for some reason. So I end up without a printer and when I need to sign things (health declarations for school) I don't have a printed document, but then I end up using a digital signature. These are so useful for so many reasons; here are some reasons why you might want to use esignatures for your business.

Every organization generates a certain amount of paperwork in the course of its normal business operations. From contracts and agreements to basic forms and internal documents, much of this paperwork must be signed. Until recently, that required gathering together everyone who had to sign the document in person, but the popularization of eSignatures has changed all that.

What Are ESignatures?

ESignatures, short for electronic signatures, are digital symbols used to signify a person's remote signing of a document. Instead of requiring a handwritten signature, eSignatures often require users to type in their names, draw a digital signature using the cursor, or upload an image to use in place of the signature. 

How to Implement ESignature Solutions

Some forms of eSignatures are more secure than others, so choosing the right service provider is very important. Any organization that needs an eSignature solution that's as secure as it is simple and convenient to implement can visit msign.io. Their services are so secure they are HIPAA compliant, which means that organizations working within just about any industry can benefit from implementing this eSignature solution without worrying about compromising security.

The Benefits of Switching to ESignatures

Organizations that have yet to make the switch to allowing eSignatures are missing out on a lot of practical, financial, and reputational benefits. They can include:

Cost Savings

Most people think of paper and ink as being relatively cheap. In fact, the costs associated with obtaining written signatures can add up fast. Collecting just one signature in this way requires printing documents, delivering them to the signee or requiring the person to come in person to the office, and storing the papers once they have been signed. Digitizing this process saves a lot of money.

Time Savings

It doesn't just cost organizations more money to collect written signatures. It also wastes a lot of everyone's time. With digital signatures, there's no need to travel to a different office, or to print, sign, and mail back a document to a far-flung business. ESignatures can be collected from anywhere with no travel, printing, scanning, or mailing required.

Improved Security

There's a reason the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (ESIGN) Act was passed in 2000, and it's that eSignatures are now very secure. The ESIGN Act has made electronic signatures legally enforceable because they can be verified using digital audit trails, certificates, stored copies of contracts, and other methods. In most cases, eSignatures are more secure than handwritten ones, with digital signatures leading the pack.

Lower Environmental Impact

Switching to eSignatures isn't just better for an organization's workers, finances, and security. It's also better for the environment. By eliminating the need for creating and storing physical documents, eSignatures help to save trees, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect ecosystems. 

Greater Customer Satisfaction Rates

Companies that offer eSignatures as an option for their customers or clients often find that it improves their reputations. Today's consumers have an expectation of simplicity and convenience. They'll be much happier with products or services if obtaining them doesn't require leaving the house or printing and mailing documents.

Make the Switch

As most business owners have already determined, there are many advantages and no downsides to implementing eSignature solutions within an organization. Having a framework for collecting and storing electronically signed documents doesn't preclude using handwritten signatures when necessary, nor does it create any extra expenses. Bring the business into the 21st century and make the switch today.